BOSTON (Ticker) -- New Jersey coach Don Casey might not make it
to 3-17.

Antoine Walker scored 25 points and the Boston Celtics continued
their surprising start by controlling the fourth quarter of a
109-96 victory over the woeful Nets.

Boston led by just five points entering the fourth quarter but
started the period with a 13-1 spurt that opened a 94-77
advantage. The Nets did not get their first basket of the
period until there was 6:38 remaining.

Rookie Adrian Griffin had another big game with 16 points and 11
rebounds for the Celtics, who have won six of their first nine
games after stumbling to a 19-31 record in last season's
lockout-shortened campaign.

Stephon Marbury scored 26 points and Keith Van Horn collected 16
and 13 rebounds for New Jersey (1-8), which has dropped five
straight games and is tied with Houston for the most losses in
the league.

Last season, the Nets lost 17 of their first 20 games which
resulted in coach John Calipari being fired and replaced by
Casey. Speculation has begun to swirl that Casey's job could be
in jeopardy following the dismal start.

"There were actually some bright spots tonight. We gave up 16
offensive rebounds in the first half and in the second half, we
gave up none," Casey said. "We just didn't come up with the
defensive stops. That was the problem."

To make matters worse, the Nets also lost two players with
injuries in the third quarter. Forward Scott Burrell suffered a
left knee injury and guard Lucious Harris left with a twisted
left ankle.

After Jamie Feick sank 1-of-2 free throws to bring the Nets
within 82-77 with 11:08 left, the Celtics began the decisive run
with their second unit.

Griffin, an undrafted rookie, drilled a 17-footer and Tony
Battie hit a jumper. Doug Overton followed with two baskets
sandwiched around a basket by Eric Williams. Battie capped the
surge with two free throws with 6:56 remaining, making it 94-77.

"Our second unit has been a little non-existent for us, but
tonight we got a big lift with it," Boston coach Rick Pitino
said. "That unit made good decisions on offense."

The Nets, who shot 42 percent (37-of-88) got their first field
goal of the period at the 6:38 mark on Sherman Douglas' layup.
But New Jersey never to cut the deficit under double digits.

Paul Pierce added 17 points, eight rebounds and five assists for
Boston, which shot 50 percent (43-of-86) and held a 49-39
rebounding edge.

Walker scored 12 points and Pierce 11 in the opening half,
helping the Celtics to a 51-40 advantage. The Nets shot just 37
percent (17-of-46) over the first 24 minutes.

"I tried to go to the basket very strong tonight and got a few
easy buckets," said Walker, who hit 9-of-17 shots.

Sparked by Marbury, the Nets were able to cut the deficit to
five entering the fourth quarter. He scored 14 of his 26
points, including making three 3-pointer's, in the third
quarter.